Faith is often portrayed in a negative light in the media. Scandals. Bad behavior. Policies that seem to some out of step with the times. Perhaps you think the portrayal is fair, perhaps you don’t. We’re walking up to a line here, and across it are difficult discussions, mistrust, and perceptions that are possibly colored by the political party with whom you affiliate.
This is not about that. Yes, there is no doubt that we must venture into that territory together eventually if we’re going to heal the divisions in this country.
But here, right now, what I am increasingly interested in and what I hope to spend more time spotlighting over the next few months is the ways that faith and faith-filled people have transformed lives both in and around the public square. I am fascinated by journalists and content providers in today’s modern media world that offer a fair—not one-sided, but thoughtful and nuanced—look at faith in civil society. There are some pieces that show up in my newsfeed that help me make sense of the world and I think will help make up a bigger picture, more complete picture for everyone.
Want an example? Colonel Khalid Shabazz, head chaplain of the U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, FL. The Wall Street Journal wrote a beautiful piece on his personal journey and his work in the world. The subtitle of the piece, which I love, is “A Muslim military chaplain wants to transcend boxes and labels.” Imagine how much better our world might be if each one of us tried to do that a little bit every day, in whatever way was comfortable for us? To talk about faith in ways that are not charged with polarization but with potential—potential for understanding and just plain good storytelling.
There are a few key elements to Colonel Shabazz’s story. First, he was not raised with Islam. He came to it later; he grew into the language that speaks to him and his soul. Second, that faith helped him overcome adversity—some created by the culture he was born into, some of his own making. Third, not only did he find work that relates to his faith, he didn’t stop there; he continued to keep learning and growing. Fourth, he has a loyal following on Tik Tok—how amazing is that? It is not everyday these things take place in one person’s story. But they did with him.
So, to sum up:
- We don’t know how the Divine will speak to people – but we should learn from people in each of their stories
- Faith and religious tradition can be a source of strength – from work to home and beyond
- It’s the just as much the journey as it is the destination when it comes to faith
- We have to meet people where they are in these conversations
This is a good article to start with as it encapsulates so much of what I want to think about and share with you.
One important note: this is not a one-way soapbox. This is a conversation. What stories of faith have been a source of pride or inspiration or greater understanding for you? Who in the media—mainstream or otherwise—is doing an exemplary job telling the full story? What organizations have you encountered that are doing good work bridging the gap between faith and its portrayal in the world? Let’s learn together.
And stories like this – and sharing them – this is not about proselytizing. It’s really not even about making a point. It’s simply about balance. There’s so much chaos in the world, so much anger—some of it necessary and well-earned, a lot of it not.
Together, let’s see if we can provide each other with some perspective and, in turn, a common ground where we can gather ourselves up and prepare to go back into the world and do our work, a little more hopeful, a little more connected to others.
This is so much bigger than any one of us. And it is uniquely, intimately about every single one of us. Isn’t that what faith is about?
